Carts with hinges

ABSTRACT

A cart for transporting objects has a base and a first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base. A sidewall extends from the base and between the end walls such that the base, the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space of the cart. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the door can be pivoted into different positions. One or more arms extend into the interior space to support and retain objects therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/971,636 filed Feb. 7, 2020, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to carts, and specifically relates tocarts with hinges, arms, and shelves.

BACKGROUND

The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference inentirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,204 discloses a cart having a base and threesidewalls extending there around and upward therefrom. Four wheels aresecured at bottom corners of the sidewalls to provide for easy mobilityof the cart. A pair of partial doors are hingedly secured to and extendalong end edges of two opposing sidewalls for permitting partialcoverage of a fourth side of the cart.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,931,420 discloses a cart that can be coupled to asimilar cart in a side by side relationship.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,149,114 discloses a cabinet having a deep shelf and atleast two opposite sides carrying track means to permit easy adjustmentof the shelf between two or more levels by a single person maneuveringonly the one accessible end of the shelf.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base anda first end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from thebase. A sidewall extends from the base and between the first end walland the second end wall such that the base, the first end wall, thesecond end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and a cartopening. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such that the dooris pivotable in a first direction to a closed position in which the doorextends across the cart opening and an opposite second direction to anopen position. The hinge has a body that prevents pivoting of the doorin the first direction past the closed position and the second directionpast the open position.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base, afirst end wall, an opposite second end wall, and a sidewall. The firstend wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall vertically extend fromthe base. The sidewall longitudinally extends between the first end walland the second end wall. The first end wall and the second end walllaterally extend relative to the sidewall. The base, the first end wall,the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and acart opening. An arm is on the first end wall and in the interior space,and the arm laterally slides along the first end wall and furthervertically pivots relative to the first end wall into a raised positionin which the arm longitudinally extends away from the first end wall tothereby retain the objects in the interior space.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base, afirst end wall, an opposite second end wall, and a sidewall. The firstend wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall vertically extend fromthe base. The sidewall longitudinally extends between the first end walland the second end wall. The first end wall and the second end walllaterally extend relative to the sidewall. The base, the first end wall,the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and acart opening. A shelf has a first end, an opposite second end, and ashelf bracket between the first end and the second end. The shelf islaterally movable toward the sidewall into the interior space throughthe cart opening such that the first end is in a pocket of the first endwall, the second end is in a pocket in the second end wall, and theshelf bracket engages the sidewall. The first end wall, the second endwall, and the sidewall support the shelf relative to the base.

Various other features, objects, and advantages will be made apparentfrom the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described with reference to the followingFigures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to referencelike features and like components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example cart of the presentdisclosure. Doors of the cart are in closed positions.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cart of FIG. 1 with the doors inintermediate positions.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 1 with the doors in openpositions.

FIG. 4-5 are enlarged views within line 4-4 on FIG. 1 with the door inthe closed position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an example hinge of the present disclosureconnecting a door to an end wall of the cart.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, top-down plan view of an example hinge of thepresent disclosure connecting a door to an end wall of the cart. Thedoor is in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is another enlarged, top-down plan view of the hinge of FIG. 7with the door in the intermediate position.

FIG. 9 is another enlarged, top-down plan view of the hinge of FIG. 7with the door in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of multiple arms of the present disclosureon the end wall of the cart.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view depicting windshields loaded in the cart andpositioned between the arms.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of multiple arms.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a base of an arm.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an arm in a raised position.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the arm in an angled position.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the arm in a lowered position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a shelf in the cart. The doors of thecart are in the closed position.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the shelf of FIG. 17 with the doors inthe intermediate or open position (note the doors are not depicted inFIG. 18 ).

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the shelf of FIG. 17 with the doors inthe open position.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a tray according to the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 21-22 are perspective views of an example door hold-open latch ofthe present disclosure in different positions.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a towing arm of a first cart coupled toa mounting arm of a second cart.

FIGS. 24-25 are perspective views of another example cart of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an example shelf according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 27-28 are enlarged perspective views of the shelf of FIG. 26 indifferent positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Employees use carts to collect and transport items in facilities, suchas warehouses, distribution centers, and commercial stores. In oneexample, assembly plant employees use carts to transport automotiveglass, such as windshields, in an automobile assembly factory. Differenttypes of automobiles require different types, sizes, and shapes ofautomotive glass, and thus, there is a need in the industry for a cartthat safely and efficiently transports different types, sizes, and/orshapes of automotive glass in the automobile assembly factory.

Through research and experimentation, the present inventors haveendeavored to develop carts for safely and efficiently transportingitems, such as automotive glass. Accordingly, the present inventorsinvented the carts described herein below. Note that although thebelow-described carts (and features thereof) are described withreference to transporting automotive glass, such as windshields, thecarts may be used to transport any type of object.

FIGS. 1-3 depict an example cart 10 of the present disclosure. Note thatthe cart 10 generally extends along a vertical axis V, a transverse orlateral axis T, and a longitudinal axis L. The cart 10 has a base 18, afirst end wall 21, an opposite second end wall 22, and a sidewall 23.The end walls 21, 22 and the sidewall 23 vertically extend from the base18. The end walls 21, 22 also laterally extend toward the sidewall 23,and the sidewall 23 also longitudinally extends between the end walls21, 22. The base 18, the end walls 21, 22, and the sidewall 23 define aninterior space 15 of the cart 10 in which an employee places objects,such as automotive windshields, and a cart opening 16 (FIG. 2 ) thoughwhich the employee moves objects into the interior space 15.

Wheels 12 vertically extend from a lower surface of the base 18 towardthe ground G. A pair of fork receivers 13 are coupled to and extend fromthe lower surface of the base 18, and the fork receivers 13 are forreceiving forks of a conventional forklift or order picker (not shown).Furthermore, a lock member 14 is coupled to and extends from the lowersurface of the base 18 such that a locking jaw or pallet grab of aconventional forklift or order picker (not shown) can engage and lockonto the lock member 14 when the conventional forklift or order picker(not shown) moves the cart 10. Examples of conventional order pickersare commercially available from Crown Equipment Corporation (e.g., CrownSP Series Order Picker).

The cart 10 includes a pair of doors 17 pivotally coupled to the firstand second end walls 21, 22, respectively, such that the employee canpivot the doors 17 into and between different positions. Specifically,the doors 17 are pivotable into and between a closed position (FIG. 1 )in which the doors 17 longitudinally extend toward each other andprevent access into the interior space 15 (e.g., the doors 17 close thecart opening 16) and an open position (FIG. 3 ) in which each door 17laterally extends along one of the end walls 21, 22. While the doors 17are in the open position (FIG. 3 ), the employee places one or moreobjects (not shown), such as boxes and automotive glass, into theinterior space 15 of the cart 10. The end walls 21, 22, the sidewall 23,and the doors 17 include a plurality of metal framing members (e.g.,vertical framing members 25) and/or wire mesh.

The cart 10 further includes various components and features that aredescribed herein below. Note that the components and features includedwith the cart 10, as well as the number of these components andfeatures, can vary based on the specific use or application of the cart10. Furthermore, certain carts 10 may exclude some of the components andfeatures noted below based on the specific use or application of thecart 10.

Hinges

One or more hinges 30 pivotally couple the doors 17 to the first andsecond end walls 21, 22 such that each door 17 is pivotable into andbetween the open position (FIG. 3 ) and the closed position (FIG. 1 ),as noted above. Note that FIG. 2 depicts the doors 17 in intermediatepositions between the open positions (FIG. 3 ) and the closed positions(FIG. 1 ). The number of hinges 30 that couple each door 17 to one ofthe end walls 21, 22 can vary. The example cart 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-3has three hinges 30A-C (FIG. 3 ) that couple each door 17 to each endwall 21, 22.

The hinges 30 are described herein below with reference to FIGS. 4-6 .Specifically, FIGS. 4-6 depict different views of the hinge 30 thatcouples the top portion of the door 17 to the top portion of the firstend wall 21 (see hinge 30A on FIG. 1 ).

The hinge 30 includes a hinge body 31 having a pair of opposing shoulderplates, namely a first shoulder plate 33 and a second shoulder plate 34.The shoulder plates 33, 34 are spaced apart from each other. Interiorsurfaces 37 (FIG. 6 ) of the shoulder plates 33, 34 face each other andare spaced apart from each other by a first distance D1 (FIG. 6 ).

A first hole 35A (FIG. 6 ) in the first shoulder plate 33 aligns with acorresponding first hole 35A in the second shoulder plate 34 such that afirst axis 28 and a bolt 38A extend through the aligned first holes 35A.A second hole 35B (FIG. 6 ) in the first shoulder plate 33 aligns with acorresponding second hole 35B in the second shoulder plate 34 such thata second axis 29 and a bolt 38B extend through the aligned second holes35B. The axes 28, 29 extend parallel to each other. Note that the typeof bolts 38A, 38B can vary. For example, the bolts 38A, 38B can be ashoulder bolt with a nut 39 or a hex bolt with threads at one end thatengage threads (not shown) in one the holes 35A, 35B.

Center openings 36 (FIG. 6 ) in the shoulder plates 33, 34 receive a rod32 that vertically extends between multiple hinges 30 (see also FIG. 3 )such that the hinge bodies 31 move (e.g., pivot) together. In someexamples, the rod 32 increases the rigidity of the hinges 30 and thedoor 17. The size and/or shape of the center openings 36 corresponds tothe size and/or shape of the rod 32, and FIG. 6 depicts the rod 32 as anelongated square tube and the shape of the center opening 36 as square.

The hinge body 31 also includes a pair of opposing stop members (FIG. 6) that extend between and couple to the shoulder plates 33, 34. As willbe described herein below, the stop members stop or prevent movement ofthe hinge 30 and/or the door 17 relative to the end wall 21, 22 when thedoor 17 is in different positions. The stop members are exemplaryplates, namely a first side plate 46 and a second side plate 52,however, the stop members can be other suitable types of members such asrods. The side plates 46, 52 are described in greater detail hereinbelow. In one example, the hinge body 31 is generally box-shaped withthe ends of the shoulder plates 33, 34 extending therefrom.

The hinge 30 further includes a pair of brackets 56A, 56B (FIG. 6 )between the shoulder plates 33, 34 that pivot about the axes 28, 29,respectively. One of the brackets 56A couples to the door 17 and theother bracket 56B couples to the first end wall 21 (FIG. 6 ). Thus, thehinge body 31 and the brackets 56A, 56B pivotably couple the door 17 tothe first end wall 21. Each bracket 56A, 56B includes one or more holes57 (FIG. 6 ) that align with the holes 35A, 35B in the shoulder plates33, 34, respectively. Accordingly, the bolts 38A, 38B extend through theholes 57 in the brackets 56A, 56B and the brackets 56A, 56B pivot aboutthe bolts 38A, 38B and the axes 28, 29.

The size and the shape of the brackets 56A, 56B can vary, and FIG. 6depicts the brackets 56A, 56B as U-shaped. In this example, each bracket56A, 56B has a first leg 58A that defines one of the holes 57, anopposing second leg 58B that defines another hole 57, and a base 59 thatextends between the legs 58A, 58B (FIG. 6 ). The holes 57 in the legs58A, 58B align with each other, and the base 59 couples to the door 17or the first end wall 21. The bases 59 are removably or fixedly coupledto the door 17 and the first end wall 21. In one example, removablefasteners extend through the bases 59 to couple the brackets 56A, 56B tothe door 17 and the first end wall 21. In another example, the bases 59are welded to the door 17 and the first end wall 21, respectively.

In the example depicted in FIG. 6 , the legs 58A, 58B of the brackets56A, 56B are between the shoulder plates 33, 34 such that there isminimal or no space between the legs 58A, 58B and the adjacent shoulderplates 33, 34. This positioning reduces or prevents sag of the door 17relative to the first end wall 21. In one non-limiting example, thedistance between the outer surfaces of the legs 58A, 58B (see distanceD2 of FIG. 6 ) is equal to or slightly less than the distance betweenthe inner surfaces 37 of the shoulder plates 33, 34 (see distance D1).

In one example, the brackets 56A, 56B remain on the door 17 and/or thefirst end wall 21 when the employee disconnects the door 17 from thefirst end wall 21. In this example, the employee removes the bolts 38A,38B such that the hinge body 31, the door 17, and the first end wall 21separate from each other. To reconnect the door 17 to the first end wall21, the employee moves the holes 35A, 35B in the shoulder plates 33, 34into alignment with the holes 57 in the brackets 56A, 56B, respectively,and inserts the bolts 38A, 38B into the aligned holes 35A, 35B, 57thereby connecting the door 17 to the first end wall 21 via the hinge30. In another example, the brackets 56A, 56B are integrally formed withand permanently fixed to the doors 17 and the first end wall 21. Inother example, the brackets 56A, 56B are excluded from the hinge 30. Inthis example, the door 17 and the first end wall 21 define holes thatreceive the bolts 38A, 38B to connect the hinge 30 to the door 17 andthe first end wall 21.

FIGS. 7-9 depict movement of the hinge 30 and the door 17 as the door 17is moved from the closed position (FIGS. 1 and 7 ) to the open position(FIGS. 3 and 9 ). Note that FIGS. 7-9 excludes the upper, first shoulderplate 33 (FIG. 6 ) to thereby expose the first legs 58A of the brackets56A, 56B. Further note that while FIGS. 7-9 do not depict the secondlegs 58B of the brackets 56A, 56B (FIG. 6 ), the second legs 58B includefeatures similar to the features described with respect to the firstlegs 58A.

FIG. 7 depicts the door 17 in the closed position (see also FIG. 1 ).Note that the dashed lines in FIG. 7 depict the door 17 moving towardthe intermediate position (FIG. 8 ). In the closed position, the door17, the hinge body 31, and the first leg 58A of the first bracket 56Aalign with each other and the door 17 extends across the cart opening 16(FIG. 2 ). The first leg 58A of the second bracket 56B extendstransverse to the door 17. The first leg 58A of the first bracket 56Ahas a first perimeter edge 151 that contacts the first side plate 46such that the door 17 cannot pivot past the closed position (FIG. 7 ) ina first direction G1 toward the interior space 15 of the cart 10 (FIG. 2). That is, the first perimeter edge 151 contacts a first end 46A of thefirst side plate 46 such that the door 17 cannot pivot past the closedposition (FIG. 7 ) and the first bracket 56A cannot further pivot aboutthe first axis 28 (see arrow G2). Additionally, an opposite second end46B of the first side plate 46 contacts a first perimeter edge 154 ofthe first leg 58A of the second bracket 56B such that the hinge body 31cannot pivot about the second axis 29 past the position depicted in FIG.7 (see arrow G2). Thus, the first side plate 46, and the ends 46A, 46Bthereof, prevent pivoting (see arrow G2) of the door 17 past the closedposition (FIG. 7 ). Accordingly, by preventing over-pivoting the door 17past the closed position (FIG. 7 ) (as noted above), the first sideplate 46 advantageously aligns a door latch (not shown; e.g., a latchwith spring pins or rods) on the door 17 with a corresponding latchreceiving hole (not shown) in the base 18 (FIG. 1 ).

FIG. 8 depicts the door 17 in an intermediate position (like theintermediate position of the door 17 depicted in FIG. 2 ) between theclosed position (FIGS. 1 and 7 ) and the open position (FIGS. 3 and 9 )as the employee pivots the door 17 away from the closed position (FIGS.1 and 7 ; see arrow G3 on FIG. 8 ). Note that the dashed lines in FIG. 8depict the door 17 moving toward the open position (FIG. 9 ). As thedoor 17 is pivoted about the second axis 29 (see arrow G3), the hingebody 31 pivots about the second axis 29 (see arrow G3) and the firstside plate 46 freely moves along a curved, second perimeter edge 155 ofthe first leg 58A of the second bracket 56B. Pivoting of the hinge body31 about the second axis 29 (see arrow G3) stops when a first end 52A ofthe second side plate 52 contacts a third perimeter edge 156 of thefirst leg 58A of the second bracket 56B. Thus, the second side plate 52prevents further pivoting of the hinge body 31 (see arrow G3) past theposition depicted in FIG. 8 .

As the employee pivots the door 17 from the intermediate position (FIG.8 ) to the open position (FIG. 9 ) (see arrow G3), a curved, secondperimeter edge 152 of the first leg 58A of the first bracket 56A passesalong the first end 46A of the first side plate 46 until a thirdperimeter edge 153 of the first leg 58A of the first bracket 56Acontacts a second end 52B of the second side plate 52 (see FIG. 9 ).Thus, the second side plate 52 prevents further pivoting (see arrow G3)of the door 17 in a direction toward the first end wall 21 past the openposition (FIG. 9 ). The first leg 58A of the first bracket 56A also hasa fourth perimeter edge 157 that contacts the first plate 46 to thefurther prevent pivoting (see arrow G3) of the first bracket 56A and thedoor 17 past the open position (FIG. 9 ). Note that the door 17 is alsopivotable from the open position (FIG. 9 ) back to the closed position(FIG. 7 ) (see arrows G2 on FIGS. 7-9 ). In certain examples, thedistance between the first end 46A and the second end 46B of the firstplate 46 (see distance D3 on FIG. 8 ) is greater than the distancebetween the first end 52A and the second end 52B of the second plate 52(see distance D4 on FIG. 8 ). In certain examples, the door 17 pivots270.0 degrees from the closed position (FIG. 1 ) to the open position(FIG. 3 ). In certain examples, each plate 46, 52 extends in parallelplanes and the parallel planes extend parallel to the axes 28, 29. Incertain examples, the ends 46A, 46B, 52A, 52B of the side plates 46, 52have edge surfaces that contact the brackets 56A, 56B and/or edgesthereof.

Arms

Referring to FIGS. 10-11 , the cart 10 includes a plurality of arms 110on the end walls 21, 22 (FIG. 11 ) that support objects, such aswindshields W1-W4 (FIG. 11 ), in the interior space 15 of the cart 10.The arms 110 also prevent the windshields W1-W4 from contacting eachother and/or damaging each other while in the cart 10. The arms 110further prevent the windshields W1-W4 from falling out of the interiorspace 15 through the cart opening 16. Note that the number of arms 110on the end walls 21, 22 can vary, and the example cart depicted in FIGS.1-3 and 10-11 includes two vertically stacked rows or sets of arms 110on both end walls 21, 22. In this example, one row of arms 110 isvertically spaced apart from the other row of arms 110. Thus, the arms110 support both upper ends and lower ends of the windshields W1-W4.

Described herein below with reference to FIG. 11 is an example sequencefor loading and unloading windshields W1-W4 into the interior space 15of the cart 10. In this example, the employee individually loads eachwindshield W1-W4 into the interior space 15 and moves each arm 110A-Dinto a raised position or an angled position (described further herein)such that the arms 110A-D are between each windshield W1-W4. To beginthe loading sequence, the employee positions the first windshield W1 inthe interior space 15 near the sidewall 23. The bottom edge of the firstwindshield W1 rests on by one or more mats 65 that are on a shelf 60(see FIG. 19 ; described further herein) in the interior space 15 of thecart 10. The employee then moves at least one first arm 110A on each endwall 21, 22 from a lowered position (FIG. 16 ) into an angled position(FIG. 15 ) or a raised position (see FIG. 14 ) to thereby preventtransverse movement (see arrow E) of the first windshield W1 relative tothe sidewall 23 and separate the first windshield WI from othersubsequently loaded windshields W2-W4. The employee then loads the otherwindshields W2-W4 one at a time into the cart 10 in a similar manner asdescribed above with respect to the first windshield W1. For example,the employee loads the second windshield W2 into the interior space 15and moves second arms 110B into the intermediate position (FIG. 15 ).Then, the employee loads the third windshield W3 into the interior space15 and moves third arms 110C into the raised position (FIG. 14 ), and soon.

To remove the windshields W1-W4 from the cart 10, the employee movesfourth arms 110D that are furthest from the sidewall 23 from the raisedposition (FIG. 14 ) to the lowered position (FIG. 16 ) and removes thefourth windshield W4 from the interior space 15 of the cart 10. Theemployee then moves the third arms 110C into the lowered position (FIG.16 ) and removes the third windshield W3 from the interior space 15 ofthe cart 10 and so on. The employee repeats these removal steps untilall the windshields W1-W4 are removed from the interior space 15. Notethat after the employee removes the windshields W1-W4 from the cart 10,the arms 110A-D are each in the lowered position (FIG. 16 ).

FIGS. 12-16 depict the arms 110 in greater detail. FIG. 12 depicts onerow of four arms 110 on the first end wall 21 of the cart 10. Note thatFIG. 12 depicts two of the arms 110 in the raised position (see arrow121), one of the arms 110 in the angled position (see arrow 122), andone of the arms 110 in the lowered position (see arrow 123).

Each arm 110 has a center member 111 elongated along a center axis (notshown) (e.g., metal or plastic rod, circular tube, square tube) and asleeve 112 of resilient material such as foam or rubber (see also FIG.14 ) covering the center member 111. The center member 111 extends froma base 113 that couples to and pivots relative to a bracket 114 that ison the first end wall 21. Specifically, the bracket 114 is on one ormore rails 115 that extend between vertical framing members 25 of thefirst end wall 21 (FIG. 2 ). At least one of the rails 115 includes aplurality of holes 128 that receive tabs 136, 137 that extend from thebase 113 (described further herein).

The brackets 114 are slidable along the rails 115 into different lateralpositions to thereby accommodate the windshields (see FIG. 11 ). Thebracket 114 has a base plate 116 with an opening 117 and opposingflanges 118 that extend in a longitudinal first direction away from thefirst end wall 21 (see arrow F1). Each flange 118 has a hole (not shown)and the holes align with each other such that a bolt 120 extends therethrough. The bracket 114 also has opposing ends 125 with lips 126 (FIG.14 ) that extend toward each other. The ends 125 and the lips 126 atleast partially surround the rails 115 to prevent the arm 110 fromfalling off the rails 115.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the bolt 120 also extends through slots 133 inthe base 113. Accordingly, the base 113 pivots about the bolt 120 andmoves relative to the bracket 114 (FIG. 12 ). The base 113 has a body131 and a pair of opposing legs 132 that extend from the body 131. Eachleg 132 has one of the slots 133 in which the bolt 120 slides (describedfurther herein), and the slot 133 has a first end 134 and an oppositesecond end 135. The base 113 also includes one or more first tabs 136and one or more second tabs 137 spaced apart from the first tabs 136.The first tabs 136 extend from the legs 132, and the second tabs 137extend from the body 131. The first tabs 136 extend a first tab distanceT1 from the body 131, and the second tabs 137 extend a second tabdistance T2 from the body 131. The second tab distance T2 is less thanthe first tab distance T1. Note that in this example, the first tabs 136extend from the legs 132, however, in other examples the first tabs 136extend from the body 131.

FIGS. 14-16 depict movement of the arm 110 into different positions.FIG. 14 depicts the arm 110 in the raised position. While in the raisedposition, the bolt 120 is at the first end 134 of the slot 133 and thefirst tabs 136 are in the holes 128 (FIG. 12 ) in the rail 115. Thus,the arm 110 is locked in the raised position and cannot inadvertentlymove into the other positions.

To move the arm 110 from the raised position (FIG. 14 ) to the angledposition (FIG. 15 ) or the lowered position (FIG. 16 ), the employeeapplies a force (see arrow P1) to the center member 111 and the sleeve112 to thereby pivot the base 113 in a first direction (see arrow Q1)about the bolt 120. As the base 113 pivots, the first tabs 136 move outof the holes 128 (FIG. 12 ) in the rail 115. Thus, the employee canfreely slide the base 113 along the bolt 120 (see dashed lines in FIG.14 ) and thereby move the arm 110 to the angled position (FIG. 15 ) orthe lowered position (FIG. 16 ).

To move the arm 110 into the angled position (FIG. 15 ), the employeemoves the base 113 such that the bolt 120 is between the ends 134, 135of the slot 133 (see dashed lines on FIG. 15 ). The employee then pivotsthe base 113 in a second direction (arrow Q2) such that the second tabs137 move into the holes 128 in the rails 115 (see solid lines on FIG. 15) and the arm 110 is in the angled position (FIG. 15 ). Note that whilethe arm 110 is in the angled positon (FIG. 15 ), the first tabs 136 anda portion of the legs 132 extend through the opening 117 in the bracket114 and between the rails 115 (FIG. 12 ). Also note that the angle ofthe center member 111 and the sleeve 112 relative to the bracket 114and/or the first end wall 21 (FIG. 1 ) when the arm 110 is in the angledposition can vary.

The employee moves the arm 110 from the angled position (FIG. 15 ) tothe raised position (FIG. 14 ) by pivoting the base 113 in the firstdirection (arrow Q1) about the bolt 120 such that the second tabs 137move out of the holes 128 (FIG. 12 ) in the rails 115. The employee thenslides the base 113 along the bolt 120 until the bolt 120 is at or nearthe first end 134 of the slot 133 (see dashed lines in FIG. 14 ). Theemployee then pivots the base 113 in the second direction (arrow Q2) tothereby move the first tabs 136 into the holes 128 in the rails 115(FIG. 12 ). Thus, the arm 110 is in the raised position (FIG. 14 ).

Alternatively, the employee moves the arm 110 from the angled position(FIG. 15 ) to the lowered position (FIG. 16 ) by pivoting the base 113in the first direction (arrow Q1) about the bolt 120 such that thesecond tabs 137 move out of the holes 128 (FIG. 12 ) in the rails 115.The employee then slides the base 113 along the 120 (see arrow P1) suchthat the bolt 120 is at or near the second end 135 of the slot 133 (seeFIG. 16 ). The employee then releases the arm 110 and the base 113pivots in the second direction (see arrow Q2) due to gravity and the arm110 moves into the lowered position (FIG. 16 ). When the arm 110 is inthe lowered position (FIG. 16 ), the second tabs 137 extend through theopening 117 in the bracket 114 and between the rails 115 (FIG. 12 ).

The employee moves the arm 110 from the lowered position (FIG. 15 ) tothe angled position (FIG. 15 ) or the raised position (FIG. 14 ) bypivoting the base 113 in the first direction (arrow Q1) and sliding thebase 113 along the bolt 120 (see arrow P2; see dashed lines on FIG. 15). The employee slides the base 113 along the bolt 120 into anappropriate position such that further pivoting of the base 113 in thesecond direction (see arrow Q2) locks the arm 110 in either the angledposition (FIG. 15 ) or the raised position (FIG. 14 ). That is, theemployee pivots the base 113 in the second direction (see arrow Q2) suchthat the first tabs 136 are moved into the holes 128 in the rails 115(FIG. 12 ) thereby locking the arm 110 in the raised position (FIG. 14 )or the second tabs 137 are moved into the holes 128 in the rails 115(FIG. 12 ) thereby locking the arm 110 in the angled position (FIG. 15).

Movable Shelf

FIGS. 17-20 depicts a movable shelf 60 of the cart 10. The shelf 60 isin the interior space 15 of the cart 10, and removable fasteners (notshown; e.g., nut and bolt, spring pins) (not shown) secure the shelf 60to one or more vertical framing members 25 of the end walls 21, 22 suchthat the shelf 60 is vertically above the base 18 (FIG. 3 ). The shelf60 is movable into different vertical positions by inserting thefasteners into holes 26 (FIG. 19 ) in the vertical framing members 25.Thus, the employee may move the shelf 60 into a desired position suchthat different items (not shown; e.g., boxes) may be placed between thebase 11 and the shelf 60. Note that FIGS. 17-18 depict a portion of theshelf 60 cut-away to expose components of the shelf 60. Note that thefeatures of the shelf 60 described herein above and below can beincluded with any other example shelves described herein.

Door Bumpers

The shelf 60 has one or more door bumpers 70 (FIG. 17-18 ) that extendfrom the perimeter of the shelf 60 in the transverse direction (seearrow GG) to prevent the doors 17 from rattling while the doors 17 arein the closed positions (FIG. 1 ). Each door bumper 70 has a bracket 71transversely inwardly extending (see arrow HH) from one of the perimeterrails 63 of the shelf 60. A pin 72 extends through and moves in a holein the bracket 71 and a hole in the perimeter rail 63. A spring 73extends along the pin 72 between the bracket 71 and the perimeter rail63 and biases the pin 72 in a transverse direction (see arrow GG) suchthat the pin 72 outwardly extends from the perimeter rail 63 (see FIG.18 ). As the employee moves the door 17 into the closed position (FIG. 1), the door 17 contacts the pin 72 and transversely inwardly pushes thepin 72 (see arrow HH) against the force of the spring 73. The spring 73via the pin 72 exerts a force transversely directed away from the shelf60 (see arrow GG) against the door 17 thereby preventing the door 17from rattling when the door 17 is in the closed position (see also FIG.1 ) (note that rattling of the door 17 may occur when the employee movesthe cart 10).

Tray and Mats

FIGS. 19-20 depict a tray 64 on the shelf 60. The tray 64 includes apair of mats 65 that support and prevent movement of objects (notshown), such as windshields, placed in the interior space 15 of the cart10. The size and shape of the mats 65 can vary, and FIG. 20 depicts mats65 with a plurality of vertically extending fingers 65A. In thisexample, the bottom edge of a windshield (not shown) rests between twoof the fingers 65A. The mats 65 may be formed of any suitable materials,and preferably the mats 65 are formed of a compressible material such asplastic, rubber, and foam. In one example, the material forming the mats65 has a value on the Shore A Hardness Scale in the range of 60.0-90.0.

Pegs 66 (FIG. 20 ) extend from the bottom of the tray 64, and holes 62in the shelf 60 receive the pegs 66 to thereby anchor the tray 64 andprevent inadvertent movement of the tray 64. The employee may change theposition of the tray 64 on the shelf 60 by vertically moving the tray 64away from the shelf 60 (see arrow M), repositioning the tray 64 alongthe shelf 60, and then inserting the pegs 66 in the holes 62 in theshelf 60 (see arrow N).

Hold-Open Latch

Referring to FIGS. 21-22 , the cart 10 has a hold-open latch 80 on thesecond end wall 22 configured to hold the door 17 in the open position(FIG. 3 ). Note that the cart 10 can include a second hold-open latch 80on the first end wall 21 to hold the other door 17 in the open position(FIG. 3 ). Note that FIGS. 21-22 depict the door 17 in the open position(FIG. 3 ). The hold-open latch 80 has a hook 81 that extends through thesecond end wall 22 such that a first end 83 is in the interior space 15and a hook-shaped opposite second end 84 extends from the exteriorsurface of the second end wall 22. The hook 81 generally extends alongan axis 85 through holes (not shown) in one of the vertical framingmembers 25 (see FIG. 1 ) of the second end wall 22. The hold-open latch80 also has a spring 86 that extends along the hook 81 between a fixedwasher 87 at the first end 83 of the hook 81 and the second end wall 22.The spring 86 biases the first end 83 of the hook 81 in a firstlongitudinal direction (see arrow I) away from the second end wall 22and the second end 84 in the first longitudinal direction (see arrow I)toward the second end wall 22.

FIG. 21 depicts the door 17 in the open position (FIG. 3 ) and thehold-open latch 80 in a storage position in which the second end 84 ofthe hook 81 is in a hook-receiving hole 88 (FIG. 22 ) in the second endwall 22. To latch the door 17 to the second end wall 22, the employeepulls the second end 84 of the hook 81 away from the second end wall 22(see arrow J) thereby compressing the spring 86 between the washer 87and the second end wall 22. The employee then rotates the hook 81 (seearrow L) (e.g., the employee rotates the hook 81 90.0 degrees) such thatthe second end 84 extends over a framing member of the door 17 (seedashed lines on FIG. 21 ). The operator then releases the second end 84and the spring 86 decompresses thereby moving the second end 84 towardthe second end wall 22 (see solid lines in FIG. 22 ; see arrow I) andinto engagement with the door 17. FIG. 22 depicts the hold-open latch 80in a latched position such that the door 17 does not move from the openposition (FIG. 3 ).

To unlatch the door 17 from the second end wall 22, the employee pullsthe second end 84 of the hook 81 away from the second end wall 22 (seearrow J) thereby compressing the spring 86 between the second end wall22 and the fixed washer 87. The employee then rotates the hook 81 (seearrow K) (e.g., the employee rotates the hook 81 90.0 degrees) such thatthe second end 84 does not extend over a frame member of the door 17.Thus, the door 17 can freely move away from the open position (FIG. 3 )toward the closed position (FIG. 1 ). When the employee releases thesecond end 84, the spring 86 decompresses and moves the second end 84toward the second end wall 22 into the storage position (FIG. 21 ) inwhich the second end 84 is in the hook-receiving hole 88 (FIG. 22 ) ofthe second end wall 22.

Towing Arm

Referring to FIG. 23 , the cart 10 has a towing arm 160 on the secondend wall 22, and the towing arm 160 is for connecting the cart 10 to asecond cart 10′ or a towing vehicle (not shown; e.g., forklift). Thetowing arm 150 has a first end 161 pivotally coupled to the second endwall 22 and an opposite second end 162 with a hole 163.

To connect to the towing arm 160 of the cart 10 to the second cart 10′,the employee pivots the towing arm 160 in a first direction X1 away fromthe cart 10 and aligns the hole 163 of the second end 162 with amounting arm 170 on the second cart 10′. Note that as the employeepivots the towing arm 160 in the first direction X1, a spring 164extending along a pivot axis 165 of the towing arm 160 compresses. Theemployee then releases the towing arm 160 such that spring 164decompresses and pivots the towing arm 160 in a second direction X2.Thus, the first end 161 is moved onto the mounting arm 170 and themounting arm 170 is in the hole 163 of the first end 161. To disconnectthe towing arm 160 from the second cart 10′, the employee pivots thetowing arm 160 in the first direction X1 such that the first end 161 isoff the mounting arm 170. The employee then releases the towing arm 160and the spring 164 pivots the towing arm 160 in the second direction X2toward the cart 10 and into a storage position (see FIG. 1 ).

FIGS. 24-25 depict another example cart 10 of the present disclosurewith the doors 17 in intermediate positions. The cart 10 has a top panel301 that includes a plurality of metal framing members and/or wire mesh.The top panel 301 is opposite the base 18 and defines the upper limit ofthe interior space 15 of the cart 10.

The sidewall 23 includes one or more sidewall rails 302 thatlongitudinally extend between the end walls 21, 22. The sidewall 23 alsoincludes a plurality of openings 303. Note that the openings 303 in theexample cart 10 depicted in FIG. 24 are larger than the standard holesin the wire mesh of the sidewall 23.

Each end walls 21, 22 includes one or more pockets 310 that receive anend of an example shelf 320 or a portion of the shelf 320 (describedfurther herein). The number of pockets 310 can vary, and FIG. 24 depictsthree pockets in each end wall 21, 22. The pockets 310 are recessed inthe plane of the end walls 21, 22 and do not extend into the interiorspace 15 of the cart 10. The pockets 310 have a plurality of pocketframing members 311 (FIG. 27-28 ) and a lip 312 (FIG. 27 ; describedfurther herein). Each pocket 310 also has a cover plate 313 (FIG. 25 ).

FIG. 26 depicts the example shelf 320 depicted in FIG. 24 in greaterdetail. The shelf 320 includes perimeter rails 321 that define theperimeter edges of the shelf 320. A plate 322 extends between theperimeter rails 321 and thereby defines a support surface on which theemployee places objects (not shown) such as boxes. Each end 327A, 327Bof the shelf 320A has a pin 236 and a flange 332. In one example, thepin 236 vertically extends from each end 327A, 237B of the shelf 320 andthe flange 332 longitudinally extends from each end 327A, 237B of theshelf 320. A plurality of shelf brackets 328 generally extend in a firstlateral direction (arrow SS) from a side 333 of the shelf 320. In oneexample, the shelf brackets 238 are U-shaped. In other examples, theshelf brackets are L-shaped. These components are described hereinbelow.

The shelf 320 has one or more handle cavities 323, and a handle 324 isin each of the handle cavities 323. The employee pivots (see arrow Y1)the handles 324 from a storage position (see arrow 501) in which thehandles 324 are recessed in the handle cavities 323 to a liftingposition (see arrow 502) in which the handles 324 extend from the handlecavities 323. When one or more handles 324 are in the lifting position,the employee(s) engages the handles 324 to lift and move the shelf 320(described further herein). Once the employee properly positions theshelf 320 in the interior space 15 of the cart 10 (FIG. 24 ), theemployee pivots the handles 324 (see arrow Y2) to thereby recess thehandle 324 into the handle cavity 323 (i.e. the storage position). Thus,the handle 324 does not obstruct the placement of items (not shown) onthe shelf 320. A bar 340 is in each handle cavity 323, and the bar 340prevents the handle 324 from pivoting (see arrow Y2) through the cavity323 such that the handle 324 extends from the lower surface of the shelf320.

FIGS. 27-28 depict the placement of the shelf 320 into the cart 10 ingreater detail. Specifically, FIG. 27 depicts the shelf 320 registeredin the interior space 15 of the cart 10 such that the shelf brackets 328are vertically above the sidewall rail 302 and each pin 326 at the ends327A, 327B the shelf 320 is in the opposing pockets 310 (see FIG. 24 ).The employee moves the shelf 320 into the position depicted in FIG. 27by engaging the handles 324 (FIG. 26 ) and moving the shelf 320 in thefirst lateral direction (arrow SS) into the interior space 15 of thecart 10. As the employee moves the shelf 320, the shelf brackets 328 aremoved into the openings 303 in the sidewall 23 and the pins 326 aremoved into the pockets 310 in the end walls 21, 22 (see also FIG. 24 ).For example, note that one of the pins 326 is in a pocket 310 in thefirst end wall 21 (FIG. 24 ) and the other pin 326 is in a pocket 310 inthe second end wall 22. Each pin 326 is moved through a pocket opening329 in the end wall 22 into the pocket 310. For example, the pocketopening 329 is a gap between vertical framing members 25 of the end wall22 through which the pin 326 and/or the flange 332 is moved into a void330 defined by the pocket framing member 311.

The employee then moves the shelf 320 vertically downward (arrow QQ)such that the shelf brackets 328 engage and rest on the sidewall rail302 (see FIG. 25 ) and the pins 326 extend through pin receiver holes331 (see dashed hole 331 in FIG. 27 ) in one of the pocket framingmembers 311. Thus, the shelf 320 is in a secured position (FIG. 28 ) onthe cart 10. The shelf brackets 328 and the pins 326 prevent the shelf320 from inadvertently moving out of the cart 10. In addition, the lip312 of the pocket 310 prevents the shelf 320 from inadvertently slidingout of the cart 10 in the second lateral direction (arrow TT) in theevent the pins 326 come out of the holes 331 (FIG. 27 ). For example,the lip 312 prevents inadvertent movement of the shelf 320 in the secondlateral direction (arrow TT) when the cart 10 passes over large bumpsthat cause the pins 236 to “jump” out of the holes 331. To remove theshelf 320 from the cart 10, the employee engages the handles 324 (FIG.26 ) and moves the shelf 320 vertically upward (arrow RR) and further inthe second lateral direction (arrow TT) out of the interior space 15 ofthe cart 10 (FIG. 24 ). Note that in one example, the shelf 320 does notinclude the pins 326 and instead the flanges 332 rest on the pocketframing member 311.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base, afirst end wall and an opposite second end wall extending from the base,and a sidewall extending from the base and between the first end walland the second end wall. The first end wall, the second end wall, andthe sidewall define an interior space and a cart opening into theinterior space. A hinge couples a door to the first end wall such thatthe door is pivotable in a first direction to a closed position in whichthe door extends across the cart opening and an opposite seconddirection to an open position. The hinge has a body that preventspivoting of the door in the first direction past the closed position andthe second direction past the open position.

In certain examples, when the door is in the closed position, the bodyis aligned with the door. In certain examples, when the door is in theopen position, the body extends transverse to the door. In certainexamples, the hinge defines a first axis about which the door is pivotedrelative to the body and a second axis about which the body and the doorare pivoted relative to the first end wall. In certain examples, whenthe door is in the closed position the body prevents pivoting of thedoor about the first axis in the first direction. In certain examples,when the door is in the open position the body prevents pivoting of thedoor about the second axis in the second direction. In certain examples,the hinge has a first bracket that is fixedly coupled to the door andpivots about the first axis and a second bracket that is fixedly coupledto the first end wall and pivots about the second axis. When the door isin the closed position the first bracket and the second bracket engage afirst stop member of the body, and when the door is in the open positionthe first bracket and the second bracket engage an opposite second stopmember of the body. In certain examples, the first stop member and thesecond stop member are plates that each extend in separate parallelplanes.

In certain examples, when the door is in the closed position the firstbracket engages a first end of the first stop member and the secondbracket engages an opposite second end of the first stop member. Incertain examples, when the door is in the open position the secondbracket engages a first end of the second stop member and the firstbracket engages an opposite second end of the second stop member. Incertain examples, when the door is in the open position the firstbracket engages a first end of the first stop member. In certainexamples, the distance between the first end and a second end of thefirst stop member is greater than distance between the first end and thesecond end of the second stop member. In certain examples, the doorpivots 270.0 degrees from the closed position to the open position.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base, afirst end wall, an opposite second end wall, and a sidewall verticallyextending from the base. The sidewall longitudinally extends between thefirst end wall and the second end wall and the first end wall and thesecond end wall laterally extends relative to the sidewall. The base,the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define aninterior space and a cart opening. An arm is on the first end wall andin the interior space, and the arm is configured to laterally slidealong the first end wall and further vertically pivot relative to thefirst end wall into a raised position in which the arm longitudinallyextends away from the first end wall to thereby retain the objects inthe interior space.

In certain examples, the arm is configured to pivot relative to thefirst end wall into a lowered position in which the arm verticallyextends along the first end wall. In certain examples, the first endwall has a rail along which the arm laterally slides. In certainexamples, the arm has a tab and the rail has a hole and when the arm isin the raised position the tab is in the hole such that the arm islocked in the raised position. In certain examples, the tab is a firsttab and the arm has a second tab such that that the arm is pivotableinto an angled position between the lowered position and the raisedposition. When the arm is in the angled position the second tab is inthe hole such that the arm is locked in the angled position. In certainexamples, the first tab and the second tab are spaced apart from eachother along a base of the arm. In certain examples, the arm is one of afirst plurality of arms on the first end wall and the cart furthercomprises a second plurality of arms on the second end wall. Each arm inthe first plurality of arms is configured to pivot relative to the firstend wall into raised positions in which the arms longitudinally extendaway from the first end wall toward the second end wall to therebyretain the objects in the interior space. Each arm in the secondplurality of arms is configured to pivot relative to the second end wallinto raised positions in which the arms longitudinally extend from thesecond end wall toward the first end wall to thereby retain the objectsin the interior space.

In certain examples, a cart for transporting objects includes a base, afirst end wall, an opposite second end wall, and a sidewall verticallyextending from the base. The sidewall longitudinally extends between thefirst end wall and the second end wall and the first end wall and thesecond end wall laterally extending from the sidewall. The base, thefirst end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interiorspace and a cart opening into the interior space. A shelf has a firstend, an opposite second end, and a shelf bracket between the first endand the second end. The shelf is laterally movable toward the sidewallinto the interior space through the cart opening such that the first endis in a pocket of the first end wall, the second end is in a pocket inthe second end wall, and the shelf bracket engages the sidewall. Thefirst end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall support the shelfrelative to the base.

In certain examples, the pocket of the first end wall is recessed withinthe first end wall and the pocket of the second end wall is recessedwithin the second end wall. In certain examples, the first end wall hasa lip that prevents the first end of the shelf from laterally movingaway from the sidewall out of the pocket in the first end wall and thesecond end wall has a lip that prevents the second end of the shelf fromlaterally moving away from the sidewall out of the pocket in the secondend wall. In certain examples, the first end of the shelf has a firstpin that is in a pin receiver hole of the first pocket and the secondend of the shelf has a second pin that is in a pin receiver hole of thesecond pocket when the shelf is supported by the first end wall and thesecond end wall. In certain examples, the first end of the shelf has afirst flange that longitudinally extends toward the first end wall. Thefirst pin vertically extends from the first flange toward the base. Thesecond end of the shelf has a second flange that longitudinally extendstoward the second end wall. The second pin vertically extends from thesecond flange toward the base. In certain examples, the sidewall has asidewall rail and the shelf bracket engages the sidewall rail. Incertain examples, the shelf bracket is one of a plurality of shelfbrackets, and the shelf brackets in the plurality of shelf brackets arespaced apart from each other along the shelf. In certain examples, thesidewall has an opening through which the shelf bracket extends as theshelf bracket engages the sidewall rail. In certain examples, the shelfhas a handle cavity between the first end and the second end and ahandle in the handle cavity. The handle is pivotable into and thebetween a storage position in which handle is recessed in the handlecavity and an extended position in which the handle extends out of thecavity. In certain examples, the handle is pivotable in a firstdirection into the extended position and a second direction into therecessed position. The shelf has a bar in the handle cavity thatprevents the handle from pivoting in the second direction past therecessed position.

In certain examples, the shelf has perimeter rails with a plurality ofholes therein. A tray is on the shelf for supporting objects on theshelf, and the tray has a peg that extends into one hole in theplurality of holes to thereby anchor the tray to the shelf. In certainexamples, the peg is a first peg and the tray has a second peg thatextends into another hole in the plurality of holes to thereby furtheranchor the tray to the shelf. In certain examples, the tray has a matformed of compressible material configured to support the objects in theinterior space. In certain examples, the tray has a mat with a pluralityof vertically extending fingers, and wherein one of the objects restsbetween two adjacent fingers in the plurality of vertically extendingfingers. In certain examples, the cart has a hinge that couples a doorto the first end wall such that the door is pivotable in a firstdirection into a closed position in which the door extends toward thesecond end wall and an opposite second direction into an open positionin which the door extends along the first end wall. The shelf has a doorbumper that engages the door when the door is in the closed position tothereby prevent rattling of the door during movement of the cart. Incertain examples, the door bumper is spring-biased and applies a forceto the door in a direction away from the shelf when the door is inclosed position. In certain examples, the shelf has perimeter rails andthe door bumper has a bracket laterally extending toward the sidewall, apin laterally extending from one of the perimeter rails and away fromthe sidewall, and a spring extending along the pin between the bracketand the perimeter rail. When the door is in the closed position, thedoor laterally pushes the pin toward the sidewall thereby compressingthe spring.

Citations to a number of references are made herein. The citedreferences are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Inthe event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a termin the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a citedreference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in thespecification.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beinferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. The different apparatuses, systems, and method stepsdescribed herein may be used alone or in combination with otherapparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that variousequivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within thescope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the inventionis defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cart for transporting objects, the cartcomprising: a base; a first end wall and an opposite second end walleach extending from the base; a sidewall extending from the base andbetween the first end wall and the second end wall such that the base,the first end wall, the second end wall, and the sidewall define aninterior space and a cart opening into the interior space that isbetween the first end wall and the second end wall; and a hinge thatcouples a door to the first end wall such that the door is pivotable ina first direction to a closed position in which the door extends acrossthe cart opening and an opposite second direction to an open position,wherein the hinge has a body that prevents pivoting of the door in thefirst direction past the closed position and the second direction pastthe open position; wherein when the door is in the closed position, thebody is aligned with the door.
 2. The cart according to claim 1, whereinwhen the door is in the open position, the body extends transverse tothe door.
 3. The cart according to claim 1, wherein the hinge defines afirst axis about which the door is pivoted relative to the body and asecond axis about which the body and the door are pivoted relative tothe first end wall.
 4. The cart according to claim 3, wherein when thedoor is in the closed position, the body prevents pivoting the doorabout the first axis in the first direction.
 5. The cart according toclaim 3, wherein when the door is in the open position, the bodyprevents pivoting of the door about the second axis in the seconddirection.
 6. A cart for transporting objects, the cart comprising: abase; a first end wall and an opposite second end wall each extendingfrom the base; a sidewall extending from the base and between the firstend wall and the second end wall such that the base, the first end wall,the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and acart opening into the interior space that is between the first end walland the second end wall; and a hinge that couples a door to the firstend wall such that the door is pivotable in a first direction to aclosed position in which the door extends across the cart opening and anopposite second direction to an open position, wherein the hinge has abody that prevents pivoting of the door in the first direction past theclosed position and the second direction past the open position; whereinthe hinge defines a first axis about which the door is pivoted relativeto the body and a second axis about which the body and the door arepivoted relative to the first end wall; and wherein the hinge has afirst bracket that is fixedly coupled to the door and pivots about thefirst axis and a second bracket that is fixedly coupled to the first endwall and pivots about the second axis; and wherein when the door is inthe closed position, the first bracket and the second bracket engage afirst stop member of the body; and wherein when the door is in the openposition, the first bracket and the second bracket engage an oppositesecond stop member of the body.
 7. The cart according to claim 6,wherein the first stop member and the second stop member are plates thateach extend in separate parallel planes.
 8. The cart according to claim6, wherein when the door is in the closed position, the first bracketengages a first end of the first stop member and the second bracketengages an opposite second end of the first stop member.
 9. The cartaccording to claim 6, wherein when the door is in the open position, thesecond bracket engages a first end of the second stop member and thefirst bracket engages an opposite second end of the second stop member.10. The cart according to claim 9, wherein when the door is in the openposition, the first bracket engages a first end of the first stopmember.
 11. The cart according to claim 10, wherein distance between thefirst end and a second end of the first stop member is greater thandistance between the first end and the second end of the second stopmember.
 12. A cart for transporting objects, the cart comprising: abase; a first end wall and an opposite second end wall each extendingfrom the base; a sidewall extending from the base and between the firstend wall and the second end wall such that the base, the first end wall,the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and acart opening into the interior space that is between the first end walland the second end wall; and a hinge that couples a door to the firstend wall such that the door is pivotable in a first direction to aclosed position in which the door extends across the cart opening and anopposite second direction to an open position, wherein the hinge has abody that prevents pivoting of the door in the first direction past theclosed position and the second direction past the open position; whereinthe door pivots 270.0 degrees from the closed position to the openposition.
 13. A cart for transporting objects, the cart comprising: abase; a first end wall and an opposite second end wall each extendingfrom the base; a sidewall extending from the base and between the firstend wall and the second end wall such that the base, the first end wall,the second end wall, and the sidewall define an interior space and acart opening into the interior space that is between the first end walland the second end wall; and a hinge that couples a door to the firstend wall such that the door is pivotable in a first direction to aclosed position in which the door extends across the cart opening and anopposite second direction to an open position, wherein the hinge has abody that prevents pivoting of the door in the first direction past theclosed position and the second direction past the open position; whereinthe door pivots greater than 180.0 degrees from the closed position tothe open position.